Chargers 3 players to watch vs. Bengals

Starter Atari Bigby is out for the season with a groin injury, and Corey Lynch takes over for the man who played virtually every snap until getting hurt against Baltimore. Lynch filled in well at first chance, totaling a team-high 11 tackles against the Ravens. He’s a solid run-stopper and should operate out of the base defense. He’ll need to excel covering tight ends and playing in the box for the Chargers to excel.

Demorrio Williams, ILB

Williams will be the primary fill-in for weakside inside linebacker Donald Butler, expected to miss today’s game with a groin injury. Butler ranks among the Chargers’ best, but Williams has the experience and talent necessary to excel in pass coverage. Stopping the run will be a big responsibility as the major part of a rotation, and he must perform well in the defensive front to keep the defense going.

Nick Hardwick, C

The offensive line has struggled in recent weeks because of injuries on the left side. Hardwick’s leadership will be invaluable to a group struggling to consistently keep pressure off Rivers. He’ll also be heavily involved in double-teaming Andre Smith with Smith on the interior. Hardwick must be a player-coach today to keep his fellow linemen playing well against a stout Bengals pass rush.